Danny Philip Jr. achieved an exciting goal recently, winning second place in the Vermont Pitch Challenge from the University of Vermont. Philip, who is in 11th grade at the Seventh-day Adventist School on St. Croix, has aspirations of becoming a successful businessperson in technology and computer science.
What’s even more impressive is he competed against nearly 150 teams from seven countries and 27 states.
According to a press release from the University of Vermont, more than 220 ambitious students took part, each eager to make a positive impact and tackle pressing challenges within their respective communities.
Philip said that for the sales pitch challenge, competitors were asked to send in a business plan and five finalists were chosen to travel to Vermont to deliver their pitches in person.
According to the University of Vermont, throughout the competition they offered the students opportunities to learn from experts about business plan writing and structuring compelling pitches. After rigorous evaluation, five finalist teams were selected to present their business concepts in person to a panel of judges at UVM on April 4, culminating in the announcement of the final rankings.
There, Philip experienced the campus firsthand. He also met business students who attend and visited the University of Vermont business office, where several different companies come together to work. There, they can share ideas and network.
Philip said he made a great number of friends during the competition, and he was the only competitor from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Pippa Scott from Killington, Vermont, won first place, and Philip, placing second, earned a $5,000 cash prize for his Agri-Equip Incorporation, which seeks to catalyze agricultural development in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was really excited to hear the results.
Other winners included Pierson and Parker Jones, twin brothers from Lutz, Florida, who were awarded $5,000 for DiscGuard, a pioneering initiative focused on enhancing patient outcomes by preventing re-injury after spinal surgery. Sebastian Tan of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, received a $1,000 cash prize for OutsideConnection, which helps formerly incarcerated individuals find employment opportunities. Eliza Strum of Ticonderoga, New York, secured a $1,000 cash prize for EcoCharge, a venture aimed at reducing electric and plastic waste through eco-friendly charging solutions.
Philip said that took a lot of effort to go through the business plan and the PowerPoint, know the information, and make sure that he could present within the time limit. Respecting the time was one of the criteria, and competitors had to keep it within seven minutes.
This was the first time the University of Vermont presented their “Shark Tank”-style competition and Philip said they are planning to do it for April next year and he’s going to give it another shot.
However, one thing he would change about his presentation he said is his delivery. “The person who won actually moved around and was conversational with the judges and that gave them an edge.”
Philip said he’s comfortable with public speaking, and having the PowerPoints helped him memorize the information. “I’ve done a lot of public speaking and participated in the Moot Court, too.”
Philip wants to thank his business teacher, Hester Philbert who made the opportunity possible and supported him through the process; Juan Casimiro of BIZNOVATOR, who provided free coaching; and Mr. Amps from Amps Institute, who provided exposure to the Young Business Entrepreneur Program last year. Also, Grantley from GLG Farms, Bobby Peets from New Breed Farm, Joyce from Community Garden Farm, and Bobo Farms Ltd, who provided valuable information he needed, and his parents, Danny and Kiene Ann Philip.
“I want to encourage other young people with what my parents instilled in me. Hard work and perseverance opens doors of opportunity and honor God and God will honor you,” said Philip.
